Bacchantes were the female followers of Bacchus, the god of wine. This bronze, on it's green Genoa or verde antico marble pedestals, is one of a mirrored pair which combines similar poses with different attributes and facial expressions. They were no doubt intended to be placed on corner cupboards or chimneypieces – the same models are usually found as elements of three- to six-light candelabra. They have been attributed to Joseph-Charles Marin (1759-1834), a pupil of the more famous Claude Michel, called Clodion (1738-1814).